Date: Wed, 10 Jan 1996 13:04:03 EST
From: flanigan[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]OUVAXA.CATS.OHIOU.EDU
Subject: old maids
Ohio University Electronic Communication
Date: 10-Jan-1996 12:54pm EST
To: Remote Addressee ( _mx%"ads-l[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]uga.cc.uga.edu" )
From: Beverly Flanigan Dept: Linguistics
FLANIGAN Tel No:
Subject: old maids
I used the term 'old maid' for unpopped kernels of corn as a child in
Minnesota, but my mother (b. 1906) used it even more, as I recall.
Testing its generational depth, I just asked my 26-yr-old son first if
the term meant anything to him, and he suggested the card game and
non-marriage; then I asked if he had ever heard it used for unpopped
corn, and he said no. This would suggest that I never passed the usage
on to him, and upon reflection I think this is true. Thus, the
"old-fashioned" interpretation may be correct. Hope this helps, Joan.
Beverly Flanigan
Received: 10-Jan-1996 01:04pm